I'm really glad so many of you seem to like it so far! (: Thank you so much for the reviews, follows, and faves!
I do want to address that this will take a little while for Hotch and Reid to meet in person, and when they finally do (or are close to it), this will revert to normal story format (as in not just dialogue). I don't expect this to have more than twenty chapters, so keep that amount in mind as this progresses.
I know sarahjohansson144 (had to take out periods for it to show up, sorry) expressed interest in what happens after they meet - I'll see what I can do about writing a sequel of sorts. (;
Here we basically have... fluff. At least in the only way possible for this fic, haha.
Hotch | Reid | Morgan
Wednesday, October 27th
(Wed 11:02 am)
Why do people enjoy taking time off?
(Wed 11:28 am)
It's meant to be relaxing, and typically they get to spend time with their families or other loved ones.
(Wed 11:29 am)
All my friends work; my father ran out on my mother and me when I was a kid; and my mother still resides in Las Vegas.
(Wed 11:30 am)
Hotch, I am going insane.
(Wed 11:32 am)
Did you already finish your scarf?
(Wed 11:33 am)
Yes, I did that Monday. Even if I hadn't, I'm not going to be wearing it next week, anyway.
(Wed 11:35 am)
Spencer, as much as I really wish I could serve as your distraction, I have far too much to do today. Are there not any seminars you're interested in seeing?
(Wed 11:37 am)
Sorry. I forget you have work sometimes. There is one seminar I was looking forward to, but it's not public. Only agents and cops are allowed.
(Wed 11:52 am)
The one at Foxchase Manor at two?
(Wed 11:54 am)
Yes, actually. How did you...?
(Wed 11:56 am)
It's the only one in the area. Dave and I pulled some strings. As long as you show your ID, they should let you in. If you have any trouble, have them call me.
(Wed 11:58 am)
Are you serious?
(Wed 11:59 am)
I just spent nearly half an hour arranging it, and you're asking if I'm serious?
(Wed 12:00 pm)
Hotch, you – that wasn't necessary!
(Wed 12:01 pm)
You said you were busy, and you just wasted twenty-five minutes.
(Wed 12:03 pm)
The only way I would have wasted it is if you don't go, Spencer.
(Wed 12:04 pm)
I don't know what to say. Why is that such a common occurrence with you?
(Wed 12:06 pm)
What can I say? I'm a charming man.
(Wed 12:07 pm)
Thank you. Truly.
(Wed 12:09 pm)
I definitely have to go now, though. Enjoy the seminar, Spencer.
(Wed 12:10 pm)
I will, Hotch. I guarantee you that much.
xxx
xxx
(Wed 7:24 pm)
I'm surprised. I expected at least one text after the seminar was over.
(Wed 7:27 pm)
[Incoming Call]
"Spencer?"
"Mere texts cannot express how amazing that seminar was."
"I'm glad you liked it."
"Liked it? I loved it! Max Ryan is one of the most well-renowned profilers of all time. I went to a book signing he did before he and the BAU finally caught the Keystone Killer, and I've been waiting for so long to know how they managed to catch Walter Kern. I was able to speak with him this afternoon about it, and though he was a bit terse, we had a fascinating conversation. He even gave me his card so we could keep in touch."
"I'm actually extremely surprised. He doesn't typically take to people like that. And considering you went to that book signing, I can't imagine he covered anything you didn't already know, yet you're quite excited."
"Hotch, no lecture is ever the same, even if it's covering roughly the same thing. He had new experiences to add, and it was all very intriguing to hear. Repetitive thinking is a death knell for the brain, and his perception of his experiences actually allows me to learn a lot."
"I'll take your word for it. Listen, I hate to cut this short, but I'd promised Jack we'd watch a movie, and this is the first chance we've had with everything that's been going on."
"Why didn't you say something before now? Go spend time with your son, and enjoy the movie. We can text tomorrow. Goodnight, Hotch."
"I couldn't cut you off midstream; you were too excited. Have a good evening, Spencer."
[Call disconnected.
Duration: 0:01:05]
(Thurs 8:43 am)
Captain America.
xxx
(Thurs 10:13 am)
The crimes just never stop, do they?
(Thurs 11:57 am)
No, they don't. I was hoping our next case would be local, at least, but of course we're across the country.
(Thurs 12:02 pm)
Why did you want it to be local? And California?
(Thurs 12:03 pm)
Close. Nevada.
(Thurs 12:04 pm)
I'm not sure if we'll wrap up the case in time to get home so I can take Jack Trick-or-Treating.
(Thurs 12:06 pm)
Ah, home sweet home. I assume your plans are to go on Saturday? You have time. I believe in you.
(Thurs 12:08 pm)
Nice to hear that someone does.
(Thurs 12:10 pm)
I'll let you work, then. Feel free to message me later. My sleeping schedule is rather screwed up, so I might actually be awake when you settle down for the evening.
xxx
xxx
(Fri 1:16 am)
It's past one where you are, but we called it a night.
(Fri 1:18 am)
I'm a tiny bit surprised you messaged me. Does it seem like an impossible case?
(Fri 1:20 am)
Actually, we have some helpful leads. I'm a tiny bit optimistic.
(Fri 1:21 am)
That's the spirit!
(Fri 1:22 am)
So what does Jack want to be for Halloween?
(Fri 1:23 am)
I'm not sure anymore. He decided he didn't like the costume he already has because it's too itchy.
(Fri 1:24 am)
What was he before, then?
(Fri 1:25 am)
Spiderman.
(Fri 1:26 am)
Huh. I wasn't expecting that.
(Fri 1:27 am)
What were you expecting, then?
(Fri 1:27 am)
Captain America.
(Fri 1:30 am)
I was waiting for an explanation, but it looks like I'm not getting one.
(Fri 1:30 am)
Here's where I repeat the fact that I can't read minds.
(Fri 1:32 am)
You told me he liked superheroes and then mentioned the FBI as what he considers "real" ones. Since you're his father, I thought he might dress as Captain America.
(Fri 1:33 am)
Why, exactly, are you teaching?
(Fri 1:33 am)
What do you mean?
(Fri 1:35 am)
With your exceptional memory skills and the little details you pick up on – as well as your interest in seminars like Max Ryan's – I'm just surprised you didn't choose a different career. You would probably make an excellent profiler, or at least some sort of consultant.
(Fri 1:36 am)
The job I want doesn't have any openings, and I already said I was working somewhere to help me get that job.
(Fri 1:38 am)
But even then my chances are pretty slim. There are plenty of others who are more suitable for the job *and* who already have all the training necessary. I'm not going to get my hopes up.
(Fri 1:39 am)
Besides, I don't mind teaching for a while. My... mentor, of sorts, is kind of like the father I always wanted.
(Fri 1:42 am)
The training is something that can be taught to nearly anyone. Finding someone as adept at reading people as you are, however, isn't as simple. People who are stupid enough to turn you down simply because you're not as athletically-skilled are ignorant, and you wouldn't want to work with them, anyway.
(Fri 1:44 am)
I don't think I've ever known someone who defends me as ardently as you do. My lack of athleticism isn't the only issue, though.
(Fri 1:45 am)
If you're referring to your migraines, those can be worked around as well.
(Fri 1:46 am)
I've actually never had anyone tell me those would be an issue since I can usually tell when they're coming.
(Fri 1:48 am)
Are you referring to your "unethical but necessary decisions"?
(Fri 1:49 am)
Yes...
(Fri 1:52 am)
There's no need to be wary. I'm not going to pry. I should actually get some sleep, but I want to say one last thing: there isn't much that most departments would reject someone like you for. So if there's ever an opening for that job you want, go for it. You won't know until you try.
(Fri 1:54 am)
I'll keep that in mind. Go to bed, Hotch. You're not going to solve this case if you're exhausted.
(Fri 1:55 am)
Goodnight, Spencer.
(Sat 2:27 pm)
Iron Man.
(Sat 2:29 pm)
I knew you could do it!
(Sat 2:31 pm)
We should be back with just enough time for me to pick up Jack.
(Sat 2:33 pm)
You think you could take a few seconds to tell me who or what he ends up being?
(Sat 2:34 pm)
I *think* I can manage that. Just this once.
(Sat 2:35 pm)
It's so nice of you to take all that effort just for me.
(Sat 2:36 pm)
I told you before. I'm a charming man.
(Sat 2:38 pm)
You did say that, didn't you? I guess I was still miffed from the non-charming cheekiness you had exhibited less than two days prior.
(Sat 2:39 pm)
Oh, look at that, the light for no cell phone use just turned on.
(Sat 2:40 pm)
Right. Now I can call you a non-charming, cheeky liar.
xxx
xxx
(Sat 6:24 pm)
-J2 pick on my profile-
(Sat 6:24 pm)
He says he's me.
(Sat 6:25 pm)
That sounds more like it.
(Sat 6:26 pm)
I was stunned.
(Sat 6:27 pm)
I don't see why. He's lucky to have you, Hotch.
(Sat 6:28 pm)
Have fun with him tonight. We can discuss this later.
xxx
(Sat 7:47 pm)
Hey, Pretty Boy. You gonna be at the party tonight?
(Sat 7:50 pm)
I already said I would be. Just promise you won't try to set me up like last time.
(Sat 7:51 pm)
Why would I do that when you have Hotch?
(Sat 7:52 pm)
...I don't see how those two situations are mutually inclusive.
(Sat 7:53 pm)
You're joking, right?
(Sat 7:55 pm)
Morgan, there is *nothing* going on between Hotch and me. Even the likelihood of that ever happening is insanely low.
(Sat 7:56 pm)
Have you forgotten the conversations we've had?
(Sat 7:58 pm)
One person does not a relationship make.
(Sat 7:58 pm)
Just because I have a crush on him doesn't mean he reciprocates.
(Sat 7:59 pm)
Which is fine, by the way. I don't expect even my feelings will last.
(Sat 8:00 pm)
You do realize who you're talking to, don't you?
(Sat 8:01 pm)
Can we not discuss this?
(Sat 8:02 pm)
Just because I know intellectually that this is temporary and one-sided doesn't mean the emotional part of my brain understands.
(Sat 8:03 pm)
All right, man. I'll see you later, then. And I promise I won't try and set you up with anyone.
(Sat 8:04 pm)
See you soon.
(Sun 4:32 pm)
So what did you end up doing last night?
(Sun 4:40 pm)
I went to a party with Morgan.
(Sun 4:43 pm)
That's it? No elaboration?
(Sun 4:44 pm)
I stood in the corner near the refreshments table all evening, so no.
(Sun 4:46 pm)
Did you at least *try*?
(Sun 4:47 pm)
Define "try."
(Sun 4:48 pm)
Spencer.
(Sun 4:49 pm)
I don't do well with conversation. Most people just stare at me like I have two heads or something.
(Sun 4:51 pm)
You won't get any better at it if you never try. And you did well enough with me.
(Sun 4:53 pm)
Yeah, but you're different than most people, Hotch. Besides, *you* sent the first embarrassing text, so it was less intimidating when I initiated the other conversations.
(Sun 4:55 pm)
I don't know if I would classify my first text as embarrassing.
(Sun 4:56 pm)
First, the hesitation between texts says otherwise.
(Sun 4:58 pm)
And second, do you need a reminder? You sent a text to the wrong number, and even though it was apparent I was *not* Dave, you felt the need to state it anyway.
(Sun 5:00 pm)
I don't have to sit here and take this abuse.
(Sun 5:00 pm)
And yet...
(Sun 5:01 pm)
I'm going to go make dinner. It doesn't talk back to me.
(Sun 5:02 pm)
It does if you're in The Twilight Zone.
xxx
xxx
(Sun 9:32 pm)
Hotch, when's your birthday?
(Sun 9:35 pm)
November 2nd.
(Sun 9:36 pm)
Your birthday is a day away?
(Sun 9:36 pm)
And you didn't think to tell me?
(Sun 9:39 pm)
It's not that important. If I'm lucky, I'll get to spend it with Jack. Considering my track record for being on a case during my birthday, however... Let's just say I'm not holding out hope.
(Sun 9:41 pm)
It's important to me. I want to get you something or at least *do* something.
(Sun 9:42 pm)
You don't need to spend any money on me. And wishing me a happy birthday will be just fine.
(Sun 9:43 pm)
Nope, that's not enough. I need to think about this. I'll talk to you tomorrow.
(Sun 9:44 pm)
Goodnight, Spencer.
(Sun 9:44 pm)
Night, Hotch.
xxx
(Sun 11:32 pm)
You and Hotch talked a lot the other night, I assume. What do you think he'd like for his birthday?
(Sun 11:33 pm)
Hello to you, too.
(Sun 11:34 pm)
And I don't know.
(Sun 11:35 pm)
That's unhelpful, Morgan.
(Sun 11:36 pm)
Why does it matter?
(Sun 11:37 pm)
His birthday is Tuesday.
(Sun 11:37 pm)
And I have no clue what to get him.
(Sun 11:39 pm)
And you think I do?
(Sun 11:40 pm)
You've met him in person. Surely you can think of something.
(Sun 11:42 pm)
The information I know wouldn't help you. There are some things you can't buy for someone else.
(Sun 11:43 pm)
What do you mean?
(Sun 11:44 pm)
He wears suits, likes to golf, and is training for a Triathlon.
(Sun 11:45 pm)
You can't buy him any clothes, shoes, *or* golf clubs.
(Sun 11:46 pm)
What's so hard about buying golf clubs?
(Sun 11:47 pm)
It's a mixture of preference and measurements, none of which you will understand. Just don't do it, kid.
(Sun 11:48 pm)
Morgan, I need to give him *something* for his birthday.
(Sun 11:50 pm)
Reid, I honestly don't know what to tell you. Use that big brain of yours and think about everything you know about him. Write it all down if you have to, and then try to figure out what you could do.
(Sun 11:51 pm)
I've already done that.
(Sun 11:52 pm)
Do it again, and think outside the box. It doesn't have to be something he can hold.
(Sun 11:53 pm)
I don't understand.
(Sun 11:54 pm)
The other day when you went to that seminar, he gave you a gift. You'll have a memory you'll always cherish.
(Sun 11:55 pm)
You could do the same. Give him something that will allow him to have a time he'll never forget.
(Sun 11:56 pm)
Morgan, sometimes you're a genius.
(Sun 11:57 pm)
You're welcome, Pretty Boy.
As per usual, I would love to hear your thoughts! Thank you so much for reading!